Here are 3 degree paths that may be a natural fit for military members

There are many reasons why you may be considering education as the next step in your career path. Maybe you’re thinking ahead to a promotion in the service or are looking at a new career field outside of the military. Choosing which degree to pursue can be an overwhelming process. Fear of choosing the “wrong” path can be a major roadblock in making the decision to enroll in school. Whether you’re considering pursuing a degree from associate to doctoral level, we’ve got you covered with some popular programs that may naturally fit your unique skills and experience.

Business Administration

A degree in Business Administration (BA) is among the most versatile degrees you can earn, setting you up to pursue a world of potential possibilities in a variety of fields – marketing, human resources, business development, operations management, or accounting, among many others. The coursework is generally leadership and management heavy, which is a natural fit for military members. Many programs allow you to choose an area of concentration, such as e-commerce or entrepreneurship, which can also help guide your coursework. After earning your bachelor’s degree, you have the option of pursuing a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree or a master’s degree in a variety of fields. 

Bachelor of Science in Leadership

Similar to a degree in business administration, a Bachelor of Science in Leadership (BSL) degree is designed to capitalize on your strengths as a leader. More specific than a bachelor’s level business degree, a BSL focuses on specific skills required to lead organizations, communicate effectively, and develop critical thinking skills tailored to a civilian business setting. 

Trident University International, an entirely online university with a history of educating military members and their families, has a flexible BSL program that makes it easy to fit classwork into a busy schedule. Even if you’ve already completed some schooling through other programs, Trident strives to maximize the transfer of your credits*.  

If you’re looking for shorter paths to a degree, Trident also has Associate of Science degrees in Cybersecurity or Homeland Security, which are also stackable programs. This means that once you complete your coursework for your associate degree, you have the option of entering the bachelor’s programs for either program of study with advanced standing. 

Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security, with a Criminal Justice concentration

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly 3.5 million people were enrolled in a protective services career in 2019 – from police and law enforcement to security guards and detectives. A transition for some service members to law enforcement or a protective services career may be natural – much like in the military, there is an opportunity to do meaningful work and serve people. While a college degree is not mandatory for every job in this line of work, earning a degree in criminal justice can help open the door to dozens of potential possibilities.

Choosing to advance your education shouldn’t be stressful. There are degree programs, many online, that can help set you up for success during service or after you’ve left the military. For more information about financial assistance options, G.I. Bill benefits, or how to enroll, check out Trident’s Military Assistance Center. If you’re on active duty, you can access the Tuition Assistance Program, which varies from branch to branch and could cover up to 100% of your tuition and lab fees. Check with your on-base education center for more information.  

*Transfer credit is evaluated on an individual basis. Not all credits are eligible to transfer. See the University Catalog for transfer credit policies.

**This data represents national figures and is not based on school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary.

This article is sponsored by Trident University International.

GI Bill^® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at www.benefits.va.gov/​gibill.

Trident University International cannot guarantee employment, salary, or career advancement.